Decision Making and Governance of Natural Disaster Risk

A Colombian national, she holds a Master's Degree in Finance from the Universidad de los Andes and a certification in Project Management from the Project Management Institute. With over 18 years of experience, she has worked across the private, public, and development sectors. Her primary areas of expertise include implementing complex economic and social development projects, as well as designing and executing learning programs centered on project management.

Sergio Lacambra is a Senior Specialist in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), bringing over 25 years of professional experience in Latin America and the Caribbean. He has played a pivotal role as team leader for numerous policy reform and investment loans across countries such as Peru, Colombia, Panama, and Bolivia, while overseeing contingent credit facilities for natural disasters in Peru, Panama, Suriname, and Argentina. Currently, he coordinates the disaster risk management cluster within the IDB's Environment, Rural Development, and Disaster Risk Management Division. Lacambra was instrumental in designing the Index of Governance and Public Policy in Disaster Risk Management (iGOPP), which has been implemented across 26 borrowing member countries of the IDB. Additionally, he co-authored the disaster risk classification and analysis methodology used for infrastructure projects to ensure resilience against disasters. Prior to his tenure at the IDB, he managed humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness operations funded by the European Union in Central and South America. Lacambra holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of London and has a solid foundation in economic principles that inform his work in disaster risk management and resilience strategies.

Melissa Barandiaran is a Peruvian national and a Senior Environmental Specialist for the Environmental and Social Risk Unit (ESG) at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). She leads the disaster risk management initiatives within ESG and is part of the interdisciplinary Community of Practice in Resilience, focusing on disaster risk and climate change. With extensive experience working on complex projects across Latin America, including countries such as Haiti, Mexico, and Argentina, Melissa has contributed to sectors like transportation, urban development, and water sanitation. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Environment and Energy from Columbia University.On Coursera, Melissa teaches the course "Decision Making and Governance of Natural Disaster Risk," aimed at equipping learners with the knowledge to effectively manage disaster risks. Her work at the IDB involves developing methodologies to assess disaster and climate risks in projects, ensuring resilience against environmental challenges. Through her expertise, she plays a crucial role in enhancing sustainable infrastructure and promoting proactive approaches to disaster management in the region.

Roberto Guerrero Compeán is an economist in the Environment, Rural Development, and Disaster Risk Management Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). His research focuses on disaster risk management, climate change economics, poverty alleviation, and program evaluation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Notably, his work titled "Vulnerability, Livelihoods, and Global Warming in Mexico: The Impact of Climate Shocks on Social Well-Being" won first place in the Banamex Economics Award in 2013. He has also contributed to various international organizations, including the World Food Programme and UNESCO.Roberto holds degrees in economics from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León and political science from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris. He earned a master's degree in International Development and a Ph.D. in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). On Coursera, he teaches the course "Decision Making and Governance of Natural Disaster Risk," which equips learners with essential skills for managing disaster risks in infrastructure projects. Through his expertise, Roberto plays a vital role in enhancing resilience against disasters across the region.